Tattarang steps into luxury fashion

The Forrest family’s private enterprise has invested in Camilla, an Australian-grown fashion brand with ambitions to broaden the global reach of its signature bohemian-inspired prints.

Founded by Camilla Franks in 2004 in Bondi, her namesake business has become a well-known name in Australian fashion on the popularity of its vibrant prints bedecked on a range of ready-to-wear clothing and swimwear.

Tattarang announced at the weekend that it had taken a minority stake in Camilla Australia for an undisclosed amount, with the investment hoped to spur the business' presence in the United States and raise the profile of its newer categories for men, children and in homewares.  

The deal marks Tattarang’s first move into luxury fashion after quelling speculation last year that it was in talks to buy department store David Jones, which has since been sold to Sydney-based private equity firm Anchorage Capital Partners.

In April, Tattarang invested $26.8 million in a plastic-free fabric enterprise called Natural Fiber Welding, an emerging US company developing leather alternatives for the fashion and automotive industry.

Tattarang also owns Australian boot and clothing maker, RM Williams. 

The Camilla founder said it was time to let ‘someone else into the fold’ but will remain creative director and lead brand ambassador of her company.  

“It was important to me to find the right partner to help get us to the next chapter,” Ms Franks said.

“We share so many synergies with Tattarang including Australian roots, a commitment to sustainability, a purpose beyond commerce, and an interest in storytelling through art… the investment partnership with Tattarang brings me great joy.”

Tattarang co-chair Nicola Forrest said she was delighted to back the entrepreneur.

“Camilla is a brilliant example of a passionate and committed entrepreneur who truly cares about her brand and her customers and has put Australian fashion on the global stage, as well as being a role model to other female founders,” she said.

Camilla has 25 shopfronts across the US and Australia, two of which are here in Western Australia, and 264 stockists globally.